Collar Dams

Drainage is the most important aspect to healthy turf management. When Press Maxwell built the greens at Pinehurst they were designed to surface drain. This is obvious it is rare to find a flat spot on the greens.

With almost 60 years of sand topdressing, sand can accumulate on the collar outside of the green. This is what is called a collar dam which prevents water from draining off the green properly leading to poor turf conditions. This is the most dangerous in the winter when snow and ice can build up and damage turf.

This week the staff is fixing some more dams on the golf course. Tuesday we began with the putting green, this green frequently backs up with snow and ice build up during the winter months.

On Wednesday we turn to the 7th green on the Maxwell. The right side of the green has struggled with turf health and solving surface drainage will provide a better environment.

There are number of other dams around the course that will receive attention during the growing season.